Answer:
Plasmids.
Explanation:
Plasmids exchange genetic information and genetic immunities to other bacteria. It is also how antibiotic resistance can spread and proliferate to other bacteria as well.
Answer:
Pili
Explanation:
The first external structure is the pilus (plural: pili). A pilus is a thin, rigid fiber made of protein that protrudes from the cell surface. The primary function of pili are to attach a bacterial cell to specific surfaces or to other cells. But how does the pilus know exactly what surface to attach to? Along the length of the pilus are adhesin proteins. The word 'adhesin' should remind you of the word 'adhesive' These molecules aid in the attachment of the pilus and are specific to the target surface.
Bordetella pertussis is the bacteria that causes whooping cough. Bordetella has pili coated with adhesins that can identify the mucosal surface of the respiratory tract and will stick to only that surface, allowing it to adhere to and infect those cells.
